THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

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1 THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Issue 7 July 2016 PENTECOST by Father George Wilson Orthodox faithful just celebrated the Feast of Holy Pentecost, which is also the name day of Holy Trinity Cathedral. This feast recognizes the power and operation of God s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, is a unifying force, a breath of Holy bonding. As seen in Acts 2, the Apostles were witnessing the unity of Spirit-filled people. Likewise, when we become filled with God s Holy Spirit, we will be open to everybody, accepting them with their faults and understanding from where they are coming. How do we get this Spirit in our lives? As Orthodox Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit on the day of our Baptism and Chrismation. The liturgical reminder to all of us is when the Priest, who is celebrating the sacrament, anoints the newly baptized Christian with Holy Chrism and the words: The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. So, as Orthodox Christians and as believers that God s grace is really present in the Sacraments of the Church, we have already received the Holy Spirit in our lives. This Gift becomes truly meaningful and convicting as we grow in the understanding of what is inside of us. As we recognize that we are indeed bearers of God s Holy Spirit, our lives will change. It changed the lives of the Apostles while they were together in Jerusalem. God opened their hearts and their minds to accept and to understand foreigners to accept all of His people. At the event of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit transformed illiterate fishermen into mouth pieces of God and the first theologians of the Christian Church. How can the Holy Spirit change us? It is the unifying cement that bonds each of us to one another. I pray that we see the unity of the Spirit that is infectious and available to all! I also pray that we may recognize that God is in all and for all that is good. When we recognize this, may we all stand together in Him and pray for the unity of the faith, the unity of our community, and the unity of our hearts to approach the various ministries and physical needs of our Cathedral community. With God in our hearts, minds, and intentions, we will be unified in our task and responsibility. With God confusion is brought into union. Disharmony, strife, dissention, discord, and chaos are transformed into unity. And, united in God, that unity is nourished and nurtured by the Holy Spirit ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA FIRST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

2 2 DEMETRIOS PAPPAS TRIBUTE ACKNOWLEDGES YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE TO HOLY TRINITY The Holy Trinity Cathedral family recognized Demetrios "Jimmy" Pappas on Sunday, June 12, 2016, for his many years of devoted service to the New Orleans Greek community and particularly as chanter. During a special presentation after Divine Liturgy that day, Father George shared a few of Jimmy's accomplishments that included the following: Received the Golden Cross of the Metropolis of Central Africa Recommended for the Justinian Cross of Alexandria Ordained as a chanter and reader by Bishop Germanos Jimmy, a familiar figure in the Holy Trinity chanter's stand, began his chanting career from a very young age with his grandfather, who was a priest. After immigrating to the United States, Jimmy finished school and joined the U.S. Air Force. He settled in the New Orleans area and began chanting with the late Petros Demarinis in His volunteer efforts also entailed his being instrumental in the construction of the new Cathedral building for which he donated the chanter s stand. Likewise, he gifted costumes for the male members of the Hellenic Dancers and served as the Greek Festival emcee after George Zissis passed away in Throughout the decades, Jimmy donated much time and talent to the Cathedral parish. He served as a member and as president of the Parish Council during the 1980s and as a chairman of the Greek Festival. On behalf of the Parish Council, Barbara Stavis Wolf, Paul Andersson, and Nicholas Bouzon pre-sented Jimmy a hand painted icon of the Hospitality of Abraham as a token of the community's respect and appreciation for his years of service. Continuing this special tribute, a reception in his honor followed in the Coffee Room. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana Fax holytrinitycathedral.org Liturgical Services Sundays Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am Clergy Reverend Father George Wilson priest@holytrinitycathedral.org Chanter: Demetrios Pappas Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos 2016 PARISH COUNCIL President: Barbara Stavis Wolf 1 st Vice President: Nicholas S. Bouzon 2 nd Vice President: W. Paul Andersson Treasurer: Eleftherios Toras Secretary: Maria Anastasiou Members: Angela Fyssas-Lear; Argeta Labatut; Nick Moustoukas, MD; Panagiotis Patselikos; Steven E. Psarellis; and Ginny Zissis The Flame: Editor, Victoria Catsulis EDUCATION Greek School: Instructor, Fay Kalergi Hymnology: Instructor, Viki Moustoukas Sunday School Following Holy Communion Director: Patrick Latour ORGANIZATIONS Acolytes and Readers Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons AHEPA: President, Lance von Uhde, III Daughters of Penelope President: Sandy Bouzon Education, Culture, and Youth Ministries Chairman: Steven E. Psarellis GOYA Coordinator: Presvytera Harriet Wilson President: Sophia Marathonitis Advisors: Lenna Korominas, Despina Patselikos, Brian Stokes, Maria Stokes, Hellenic Dancers Coordinators, Mathoula Bilalis and Maria Patselikos Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Ana Commagere HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) Coordinator: Vicki Mantikos McCallef Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sena Grass, Donna Venturatos Philoptochos: President, Connie Tiliakos PTA: President, Evagelia Vatakis Real Estate Committee Chairperson: Steven E. Psarellis St. Markella of Chios President: Maria Anastasiou Support: Secretary, Victoria Catsulis Maintenance: Dimitri Vatakis

3 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE JULY 2016 During the summer active participation in the Church continues to be important because it is through praying together that we are transformed to and brought closer to the life of Christ. Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20) Best wishes to everyone during upcoming travels and vacations. I was pleased to make a presentation from Holy Trinity to Rev. William H. Mackintosh, founder of Interfaith Communications International, at his retirement dinner on June 10, Sunday, June 12, was a special day when Demetrios Pappas was recognized by our community for his many services and contributions to Holy Trinity. Thank you, Jimmy, for all you have done and continue to do for Holy Trinity. Axios! Recently, doctors visiting from Greece were at Holy Trinity and enjoyed the beautiful Sunday services in the Cathedral and the warm hospitality from the congregation. They expressed appreciation for the wonderful welcome to our community. Observing the remarkable work, effort, and support of the members, who give so much to assure that we have a beautiful and welcoming house of God, is truly overwhelming. As this year continues, suggestions for our ministries, programs, and workings of the community are welcome and can be made to the Cathedral office. This month I will represent Holy Trinity at the Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville, Tennessee. Efforts to complete the roof repairs and waterproofing of the Cathedral and the Hellenic Cultural Center continue. Some older air conditioning units in the center may need replacement soon. Gardening and landscaping work is outsourced as needed. Repairs and improvements continue to be made as required and as the budget allows to assure proper maintenance of the facilities. UV light protection on the Cathedral windows to protect the beautiful iconography and upgrades to lighting in the Hellenic Center are being reviewed. We were again blessed with a very successful Greek Festival this year. However, the continued success of our Community is also dependent on all participants being active stewards. This involves submitting a pledge card and making a contribution to be officially listed a member. It is only through everyone s active participation as a steward that the Church can continue its programs and be available when individual and family needs arise. If your 2016 stewardship has not yet been submitted, or if you are not sure of your stewardship status, please contact the Cathedral office. Pledges made early in the year are important for the essential financial support for the religious life, ministries, programs, and maintenance of our beautiful Cathedral and Hellenic Cultural Center. Thank you all for your continued generosity and support of the Greek Orthodox Community of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Have a wonderful summer. Barbara Stavis Wolf Parish Council President 3

4 TULANE LAW SCHOOL HALL OF FAME INDUCTS PROFESSOR YIANNOPOULOS Professor A.N. Yiannopoulos was recently inducted into the 2016 Tulane Law School Hall of Fame with recognition as a Civil Law Legend. Moreover, the Louisiana Bar Journal from June 2016 dedicated its 75 th Anniversary Edition to Professor Yiannopoulos, praising him as Louisiana s Most Influential Jurist in our Time. The Tulane Law School noted that Professor Yiannopoulos is an internationally renowned scholar of civil law, comparative law, and maritime law, influencing every aspect of property law in Louisiana and abroad. He revised major parts of Louisiana s civil code and dominated the field for more than four decades. He also assisted in the drafting of foreign Civil Codes, including the Estonian Civil Code and the Russian Trust Legislation, and helped shape generations of students. A native of Greece, Professor Yiannopoulos ran Tulane Law School s summer program in Greece for many years. He also founded a summer program on the island of Spetses, which is now run by the Loyola New Orleans College of Law. He recently created an endowed scholarship fund to assist students focusing on civil and comparative law. He is a member of the International Academy of Comparative Law and the American Law Institute and is Editor-in-Chief of the first ever Louisiana Civil Law Commentary. After graduating from Thessaloniki Law School in 1946, Professor Yiannopoulos served in the Greek Army and subsequently received a Fulbright Scholarship to attend the University of Chicago Law School. He obtained his first doctorate in law from the University of California at Berkeley and his second doctorate from the University of Cologne, Germany. He then accepted a position at LSU Law School in Baton Rouge and fell in love with Louisiana. He became a US Citizen and after twenty-one years at LSU was offered a position with the Tulane Law School, where he was a faculty member since During his career he received numerous recognitions and awards, including from Greece the Gold Cross of the Order of Phoenix for cultural achievement and from the Archbishop of Australia the Gold Cross of the Order of Saint Andreas. Professor Yiannopoulos is an active member of Holy Trinity and has participated in the recent Greek Independence Day and OXI Day programs. The Cathedral family proudly congratulates Professor Yiannopoulos on his many accomplishments and achievements, as well as his contributions to the Civil Law in Louisiana and beyond! PARISH REGISTRY Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort, and Support 40-DAYS BLESSING May 15, 2016 Antonia Karmoukos Daughter of Charlotte (Tate) and Dimitrios Karmoukos BAPTISMS May 21, 2016 Austin Paul Labue Son of Stavroula (Petrou) and Kevin Labue Godparents Stephanie and Ioannis Malachias May 21, 2016 Anastasia Shaffer Daughter of Demetra (Kandalepas) and Gary Shaffer Godfather John Kandalepas May 21, 2016 Stavroula Shaffer Daughter of Demetra (Kandalepas) and Gary Shaffer Godparents Sonia and George Kandalepas May 21, 2016 Sierra (Sotiroula) Shaffer Daughter of Demetra (Kandalepas) and Gary Shaffer Godparents Sofia and Luis Abanto MEMORIALS May 15, 2016 June 26, 2016 FUNERALS June 16, 2016 June 23, 2016 TRISAGION June 12, 2016 Bill Malachias, 1-Year Mihalis Vatakis, 1-Year Georgia Christidis Mary Votas Makris Violet Pappas, 2-Years WEDDINGS May 14, 2016 Amanda Berthelot and John Doss V Koubaro Peter Fourtounis June 3, 2016 Ursula Jean Pearson and Alexander Kazakos Koubaro Evangelos Drillas 4

5 Philoptochos Have you ever been desperately hungry? Probably not since many people are fortunate to live in blessed circumstances. Notably, one of the ultimate acts of being a friend to the poor (the purpose, vision, and meaning of Philoptochos) is feeding hungry children in desperate need. Holy Trinity s Philoptochos chapter is working with The Hunger Project in a unique and very meaningful Christian effort to combat hunger in children living in life-threatening poverty. Please join the Philoptochos family and help package healthy meals for hungry children around the world. Volunteers can be virtually any age so long as they are able. The group will package a Lentil Casserole that is an allnatural meal composed of lentils, rice, veggies and salt. Working together in assembly lines and receiving expert help from The Hunger Project representatives, volunteers will place the ingredients in plastic bags, while striving to reach their goal of 10,000 meals in one hour. Feed the Children Project PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE Sunday, July 17, 2016 after church for just one hour NOTE: Philoptochos has underwritten $1,700, which is half of the cost for the food supplies needed, and invites the Cathedral organizations (AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Order of St. Markella of Chios, and Holy Trinity PTA), as well as the entire Cathedral family, to share in the cost of the balance and to experience the joy and duty of packaging healthy meals for hungry children around the world. Please contact Diane Chronis, Helen Malachias, or Connie Tiliakos to present your gift or to ask any questions. No experience is needed just a desire to help others because together we are empowered to make a difference for those in need. Please contact Diane Chronis at dianechronis@bellsouth.net or to sign-up for this project. 5

6 "SAINTS ALIVE" COMES ALIVE AT JUNE VCS SESSION 6 Twenty-five registrants participated in the 2016 Vacation Church School program that ran from Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17, in the Hellenic Cultural Center. The 9:00 am to 1:00 pm schedule was filled with a morning Church service, classroom lesson time, arts and crafts, music, and recreation. Much appreciation goes out to the staff and assistants Gail Adams (Music); Karen Clark (Arts and Crafts); teachers Presvytera Harriet, Athena Kontaxis, Faith Kyame, Karen Themistocles, and Carol Venturatos; recreation directors Jonathan Labatut and Despina Wilson; and the high school helpers Andrew Aceves, Amanda Munch, and James Venturatos. The participants learned that saints can be compared to superheroes and, indeed, are the Church s superheroes. There are four types of sainthood wonderworker, apostle, almsgiver, and martyr which the campers studied. The students also learned about the life of four specific saints that fall into these categories and come with a special kind of gift. They were Saint Nicholas (the wonderworker), Saints Peter and Paul (apostles), Saint John the Merciful (almsgiver), and Saint Stephen the Deacon (martyr). This year a water play day was included on Friday. It was a fun and refreshing time as the campers popped water balloons, ran through a water hose, and dodged a water shooter. That evening all campers returned with their families for the VCS end of the week celebration. The attendees started off in Church for the prayer service followed by the blessing of the sewed bags, which the children crafted for the homeless. Then, everyone proceeded into the hall for the VCS program of song, recitations, and a magnificent skit put on by the middle school participants. The program ended with Karen Themistocles reading the book The Baker s Dozen. She made the story very personal by changing the baker s name to Mr. Pappas and by providing Santa Claus cookies, which the children decorated after dinner. The evening concluded a most enjoyable week of learning about saints of the Orthodox Church.

7 GOYA CELEBRATES WITH WITH FRIENDS, FRIENDS, FOOD, FOOD, & FUN FUN ******************** GOYA members ended their year with a celebration in June at Sector 6 Extreme Air Sports. Current members and new incoming members had a great time together. After an exhilarating hour of trampoline and other aerial feats, rehydration and a pizza lunch at Theo's closed out the day. Thanks to the parents for getting the young people out and to Father George and Presvytera Harriett for their support. Remember that all students entering 6th through 12th grades in the fall are eligible for GOYA, and there is something to interest everyone! If you would like additional information or wish to be added to the GOYA list, please contact GOYA advisors Donna Venturatos at venturmom@gmail.com or Despina Patselikos at dpatselikos@hotmail.com. Have a fun and safe summer and wear those helmets and life vests! HOMEMADE BREAD SALE TO BENEFIT GREEK FESTIVAL Vicki McCallef is selling homemade bread in four varieties to benefit the Greek Festival. The project is to fulfill a commitment that she made prior to the Festival but was unable to complete due to uncontrolled circumstances. You may place your order by ing her at vmccallef@yahoo.com or sending a text to The breads will be available for pickup after church services on Sunday, July 17. Each loaf is $6. Please make checks payable to Greek Festival. Below are the four varieties of which she plans to bake 25 loaves of each. Feta and Herb Plain with Herbed Butter Kalamata Olive and Herb Rosemary and Garlic ARCHIVES APPEALS TO THE COMMUNITY Maggie Maag requests that the person who provided this photo for the WW II Archival Collection of Holy Trinity veterans please contact her. She regrets that she misplaced the information about the veteran. Maggie can be contacted at or hmaag@cox.net. Also, if you safeguarded precious documentations and artifacts from when the congregation moved from one church to the next and were waiting until the right time, well, now is the right time, and the Archives Committee is ready. Please bring your items to the Cathedral office. The Archives Committee thanks you in advance. 7

8 8 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL 2016 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PLEDGES RECEIVED BY JUNE 24 The Cathedral office has received 241 commitments totaling $128, Of this $95, was paid with an average pledge of $ Thank you to all, who support the 2016 Stewardship Ministry. Alatzas, Nicolai Ammons, Denise and Vladimir Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Andersson, Andrea and John Cable Andersson, Billie and Paul Andres, Christine P. Andrews, Bethlehem K. Andrews, Christy and Gregory Angelico, Robert and Kathy Conklin Angelus, Maria and George Athas, Nancy Baer, Elisabeth Lorio and Jason Bakamitsos, Marion and Georgios Barry III, Nicholas Taylor Batrincea, Ana and Alexandru Bell, Victoria and Jon Benoit, Katherine and Chris Beraki, Yergalem H. Bode, Tory and Paul Bouton, Bella and Raymond Bouzon, Nicholas Bouzon, Sandy and Spiron Bozinis, Ena and Theodoros Burland, Panay and James Cabali, Juanita Caillouet, Irene and Kevin Caridas, Pauline Cathedral Montessori School Catinis, Ana and George Catsulis, Peter Catsulis, Victoria Chancy, Jr., Dena and James W. Charalampidis, Panagiota & Dimitrios Christakis, Despina Christakis, Joann S. Christakis, Maria T. Christakis, Olga Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Chronis, Diane and Nicholas Cochran, Jennie and Jerry Coluceriu-Dandu, Amanda and Calin Dabbs, Stella Davrados, Nikolaos Dongieux, Pam Doss, Betty and John B. Doussa, Sandra Dupriest, Ellen and Randy Dupriest, Jr., Randy Dupriest, Ross Ferguson, Christina and Tyler Fotiades, Julie Foundas, Anne Frezoulis, Angeliki and Konstantinos Funti, Deborah Ann and Vasili Fyssas, Despina and George Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Gemisis, Georgios Georges, Anita Georges, Constantine Gervais, Angela and Derrick Reverend George and Presvytera Harriet Wilson Grass, Mersina and Jason Haddad, Vilam Hazifotis, Kostas Hodge, Maria Howard, Jr., Homer Howard, Stela Howard, Stephan Ioannidis, Christine & Emmanuel Jimenez, Caroline and John Johnson, Helen Maskas and Ben Kambouris, Ermione & Antonios Kanellos, John Kanellos, Melissa and George Kardoulias, Despina and Nicholas Kardoulias, Rhonda and Emanuel Karmoukos, Antonia and Nicholas Karmoukos, Charlotte and James Karras, Gloria Kleamenakis, Andrew Kleamenakis, Angela and George Kleamenakis, Argie and Nick Kleamenakis, Jr., Nicholas A. Kleamenakis, Nicholas Kleamenakis, Sue and Michael Kloumassis, Niki Koga, Vaughan and Sebastian Koniditsiotis, Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis, Jeanne and Elias Koniditsiotis, Jenny and Harry Konos, Marcella and Pete Kontaxis, Athena Kontos, Mary and Chris Kontoudis, Despina Korominas, Lenna and George Kouloubis, Mary and John Krachadze, David Kringas, Angie Ktistakis, Maria Regina Kyame, Faith Kyriakides, Maria and Aris Labatut, Argeta and Lawrence Labatut, Jonathan Labatut, Michael Labue, Stavroula and Kevin Ladies Philoptochos Society--Elpis Lambousy, Peter G. Lambron, Joan Lambron, Nicholas Latour, Patrick Latsis, Katherine and Spiro Latsis, Kathy and George Lear, Angela Fyssas and Darrin Levendis, Eleni Levendis, Nicki M. Leyva, Helen Lombas, Stephanie Hardin & Michael Lorio, III, Kathryn and Philip Lorio, IV, Megan and Philip Maag, Maggie and Richard Madonia, Arlene and Jason Mailhes, Tina Malachias, Bobby Malachias, Helen and Charles Malachias, Vange Manoussaridis, Stavros Mantikos, Rania Mantikos, Vasili & Miranda Webb Mantis, Rosy and Thomas McCallef, Vicki and Anthony McCrary, Mona and Douglas McGee, Kris Diane and Richard Megilligan, Alexandra and George Melancon, Marianthe and Jason Melerine, Anna and Kirk Menutis, Ruth ann and Jimmie Miaoulis, Anita and Chris Michailakis, Bridgett and Kosta Michailakis, Kalliopi and Petros Michailakis, Michael Michailakis, Pam and Gus Michailakis, Petroula and Pete Michalos, Effie Moustacas, Maria & Constantinos Moustaka, Dimitra Moustoukas, Despina Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Munch, Andrea and Joseph Naquin, Georgia and Lee Nevels, Anastassia & John Max Nicoladis, Kristen and Michael F. Nicoladis, Maria Nicoladis, Peggy and Frank Nicopoulos, Sue & Constandinos Nugent, Elaine Michalos Order of St. Markella of Chios Owen, Adrienne Dabbs and Greg Papadopoulos, Denise & Dennis Papazis, Irene Pappas, Alexandra Pappas, Christina and Nicholas Pappas, Despina K. Pappas, III, Nicholas Pappas, John E. Patselikos, Despina & Panagiotis Pelias, Erin and Michael H. Pelias, Magda Pembo, Angela Pembo, Dayna and Tony Pembo, Michelle Pepps, Mary Peterson, Diana and Brian Petikas, Mary and Dimitrios Petratos, Angelina & Demetrios Popa, Maria and Vasile Psarellis, Michael Psarellis, Steven E. Psilos, Gail and Tony Psomas, Stella Putnam, Andrea and John Ramirez, Anna and Jesus Ramirez, Maria and Ramon Razza, Anna B. Ricciardi, Chrysanthy Rico, Anastasia and Roger Rostovshikova, Natalya Salles, Vaso and James Salles-Tsatsoulis, Kathy Sarantakos, Maria and Steve Savvaides, Despina and Stavros Shaffer, Demetra and Gary Sher, Anna Skaff, Amy and Brandon Skoufalos, Ofeliamanda and Dimos Sotiropoulos, Christine & Evangelos Spinu, Cristina and Leonard Stathopoulos, Nicholas Stokes, Maria and Brian Strain, Martha and James R. Stratikis, Suzanne and George Stratis, Nicholas Stratis, Stavros Tadros, Katherine and Daniel Theodoron, Sophie Tiliakos, Connie and Alexander Tiliakos, John Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Tsatalios, Peter Tsatsoulis, Angela and John Tsatsoulis, Antoni Tsimboukis, Suzanne & Efthimios Tzavellas, Fotini and George Tzerefos, Cindy G. and Nicholas P. Tzerefos, Panagiotis L. Vaida, Mary and Razvan Vassilas, Anastasia Vatakis, Evagelia and Dimitris Vaveris, Matthew K. Vennis, Koula and Costandinos Venturatos, Carol and Steve Venturatos, Stephanie Von Uhde III, Lance Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Weisnicht, Brian White, Deborah and William Whitehead, Martha and Joel Wisdom, Maria and Andrew Withrow, Kate Wolf, Angelle and William Wolf, Barbara Stavis Xiros, Nick and Fay Kalergi Yiannopoulos, A. N. Zannis, Marie Zarganas, Glikeria and Alexandros Zervoudis, Georgia and George Zetzmann III, Robert E. Zetzmann, Kaler Zetzmann, Kathy and Robert Zissis, Ginny Zissis, Laila and Tim Zouboukos, Carol and Nick

9 COMPLIMENTARY COURSE AT HOLY TRINITY The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes the importance of learning life saving techniques and encourages this through approved Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) courses. Holy Trinity is offering parishioners the chance to take a two hour CPR course free of charge on Saturday, August 13, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Hellenic Cultural Center. Nick Stathopoulos, a parishioner and a certified AHA CPR instructor, has offered this complimentary training to interested members. Taking the course provides an American Heart Association course completion card. The session covers basic information including CPR, AED usage, and the relief of choking victims of which all can help in an emergency. If you are interested in attending, please provide your name, phone number, and address to the Cathedral office by August STEWARDSHIP UPDATE AND MIDYEAR REPORT The Stewardship Committee is pleased to report that so far this year it has received pledges of $128, from 241 units. Your support encourages the committee that the 2016 goal of $150, is within reach. Therefore, those, who have not yet made a pledge, are asked to prayerfully consider doing so. The Church NEEDS your support! In the next few weeks, reminders will be sent to individuals and families, who have pledged in the past but have not yet returned a pledge card for this year. Also, for those who have already made a minimum pledge of either $1, or $ and not selected a sponsorship day or half-day respectively, please contact the Cathedral office to provide that information for the Stewardship Boards in the Coffee Room. TORPEDOGRASS TREATED DURING SUMMER Torpedograss (Panicum repens) is a scourge in lawns, flowerbeds, and landscapes. Even if introduced into a small area, this weed can rapidly spread to become a major problem. The name comes from the hard, sharp point to the rhizome that runs horizontally underground, like a torpedo going through the water. The rhizomes can travel a foot or more deep, and the hard points are able to punch through landscape fabric and weed barriers. Torpedograss is not difficult to eradicate; it is nearly impossible to eradicate. So, dealing with this menace is often not so much a matter of how to get rid of it but how to keep it from taking over. And, that can only be accomplished with diligent, repeated, frequent efforts over the long term. There is no quick, efficient, easy, or permanent way to deal with this weed. To address the torpedograss that is growing in the beds behind the Cathedral sanctuary and beside the railed walkway on the bayou side of the property, a professional plant care company was engaged. The first of three treatments was administered on June 16, Two subsequent treatments will follow every two weeks. Please know that the torpedograss will turn brown and die but will not be removed until Labor Day in order to reap the most effective treatment results. 9

10 S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T GREEK FESTIVAL COMMITTEE MEMOS PASTRY Chairpersons Sandy Bouzon, Mary Kontos, and Helen Malachias gratefully acknowledge the many hours that the ladies and gentlemen dedicated to preparing this year's Greek Festival pastries, understanding that from start to finish the volunteer effort was a labor of love and loyalty to Holy Trinity. It took a village to complete the task, and many thanks are extended to each and all, who made up the proud workers in that village. Bravo on a job well done and again THANK YOU! SOFT DRINKS-WATER Chairman John Koniditsiotis thanks all of the wonderful volunteers, who assisted him during the Memorial Day weekend. AFTER FESTIVAL SALE-A-BRATION Please check with the Cathedral office to see what goodies remain from the Greek Festival. Great bargains are available, but quantities are limited. Call Stacy at GREEK NIGHT IN OCTOBER Everyone is invited to SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend the GREEK NIGHT CELEBRATION at the Hellenic Cultural Center on Saturday, October 22, A portion of the profits will benefit St. Jude Hospital. Further event details are forthcoming. INQUIRER'S SEMINAR Father George will hold an inquirer's seminar, Introducing the Orthodox Church, on Saturday, July 16, 2016, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for those interested in learning more about the Greek Orthodox Church and its teachings. To reserve a space at the seminar, please call Father at ORDER OF ST. MARKELLA RECEPTION The Order of St. Markella of Chios is hosting a reception on Sunday, July 17, after church services and invites the entire community to participate in this commemoration to St. Markella. PHILOPTOCHOS Join the Philoptochos family on Sunday, July 17, 2016, following church services to package healthy meals for hungry children. Fifty volunteers are needed for just one hour to package lentil casserole meals. No experience is needed, just a desire to help others. Together, the group can make a difference for hungry children in need. Contact Diane Chronis for more information. Project details are also available in the Philoptochos article of this issue. SPECIAL EVENT NOVEMBER 12 The Holy Trinity Community is planning a special fall fund raising event tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 12. The goal is to contribute from the proceeds to the Metropolis Diakonia Retreat Center, which provides a wonderful location for retreats, summer camp, and other events for all communities of the Metropolis of Atlanta. If you would like to assist with the planning of this upcoming event, please call the Cathedral office at SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP SPONSORS The community is most grateful to Philoptochos for sponsoring the June Sunday Fellowship. The Order of St. Markella of Chios will sponsor the July Sunday Fellowship.

11 JULY 2016 SUNDAY, JULY 3 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy SECOND SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Artoclasia Offered for the Health of the Petros Michailakis Family 12:00 pm Memorial Coffee for Stavros Kiriazis Father George leaves immediately after services to attend 2016 Clergy-Laity Congress. 43 RD BIENNIAL CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE JULY 3 JULY 8 MONDAY, JULY 4 CATHEDRAL OFFICE CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY SATURDAY, JULY 9 11:00 am LATSIS BAPTISM 8:00 pm Hall Rental Birthday Party SUNDAY, JULY 10 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy THIRD SUNDAY OF MATTHEW MONDAY, JULY 11 7:00 pm ECYM Meeting NO PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IN JULY WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 7:00 pm Bible Study with Father George THURSDAY, JULY 14 6:00 pm Paraklesis SATURDAY, JULY 16 10:00 am Inquirers Seminar INTRODUCING THE ORTHODOX CHURCH SUNDAY, JULY 17 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS Artoclasia Offered by the Order of St. Markella of Chios 12:00 pm Greek Festival Bread Sale Pick Up Orders 12:00 pm Order of St. Markella of Chios Reception 12:00 pm Philoptochos The Hunger Project Assembly Line Packaging 1:00 pm LOMBAS BAPTISM WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 9:00 am Divine Liturgy ELIAS THE PROPHET 7:00 pm Bible Study with Father George FRIDAY, JULY 22 9:00 am Divine Liturgy ST. MARKELLA OF CHIOS SATURDAY, JULY 23 12:00 pm MELERINE BAPTISM SUNDAY, JULY 24 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy FIFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW 12:00 pm HOPE & JOY Arts and Crafts Project and Luncheon TUESDAY, JULY 26 9:00 am Divine Liturgy ST. PARASKEVI OF ROME WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 9:00 am Divine Liturgy ST. PANTELEIMON THE GREAT MARYTR 7:00 pm Bible Study with Father George FRIDAY, JULY 29 7:00 pm Hall Rental Family Reunion SUNDAY, JULY 31 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy SIXTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW